SUSPENDED striker Ben Wharton has urged his Radcliffe Borough team-mates to go out and win their Lancashire FA Trophy semi-final for him.

The former Rochdale youth player has always dreamed of playing on the biggest stage, and with the final to be held at Bolton Wanderers’ Reebok Stadium, he thought this was his chance.

The 21-year-old striker will miss the semi-final against Evo-Stik Premier side Kendal Town next Wednesday after picking up a yellow card in the recent league encounter with AFC Fylde.

That took him past 10 bookings for the season and triggered an automatic two-match suspension, which includes Saturday’s match at Skelmersdale United and the cup semi-final at the County Ground in Leyland.

“I’m gutted I’m not playing,” said the 21-year-old striker.

“I’ve never played at the Reebok before and would love to get there.

“I’ve had a word with the lads and pleaded with them to win so I can play in the final.”

With recent signing Andy Bell cup-tied, Steve Burke and young Declan Fletcher are the club’s only available strikers.

Fletcher, aged 21, goes straight into the squad after being tempted back to Boro following a successful spell last season.

Read more in this week's Radcliffe Times.